Black Leopards Owner David Thidiela Calls for Overhaul and Commission into PSL Leadership Amid Accusations of Dictatorship Against Irvin Khoza
Polokwane, Limpopo – Black Leopards owner David Thidiela has launched a scathing attack on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) leadership, demanding sweeping changes and the establishment of a commission to probe its governance. In a recent podcast interview on Game On with Thabiso Mosia, aired on 11 November 2025, Thidiela accused PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza of running the league like a dictatorship and questioned why the acting CEO has held the position for a decade without permanent appointment. This bold stance from the outspoken club boss highlights deep frustrations within South African football, where smaller teams often feel sidelined by decisions favouring bigger clubs.
Thidiela’s comments come at a time when the PSL faces ongoing scrutiny over transparency, financial fairness, and administrative delays. As the owner of a club now competing in the lower divisions after multiple relegations, he argues that the league’s current setup stifles growth and equality, calling for urgent reforms to restore credibility.
Thidiela’s Demand for Change and a Commission
In the interview, Thidiela did not mince words about the need for transformation in the PSL. He called for a full commission to investigate how the league is run, pointing to what he sees as unchecked power and poor decision-making. “We need a commission into the leadership of the PSL,” Thidiela stated, stressing that without outside oversight, the same problems will persist.
His push for change stems from years of dissatisfaction with how the league handles issues like promotion and relegation, funding for smaller clubs, and overall fairness. Black Leopards, once a PSL mainstay, have struggled since their 2019 relegation, dropping further to the ABC Motsepe League in 2023 before earning promotion back to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Thidiela has long blamed systemic biases in the PSL for such declines, arguing that the structure protects established teams at the expense of others.
This is not Thidiela’s first outburst; he has a history of challenging authority in football. In 2018, he criticised the PSL for what he called unfair refereeing and match-fixing allegations, even boycotting games at one point. His latest call echoes broader concerns from club owners and fans about the league’s direction.
Accusations of Dictatorship Against Dr Irvin Khoza
At the heart of Thidiela’s criticism is PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, whom he accused of establishing a dictatorship. “He’s accused the Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza, of establishing a dictatorship,” as highlighted in the podcast. Thidiela claims Khoza’s long tenure – since 2003 – has led to a concentration of power, where decisions are made without enough input from all stakeholders.
Khoza, also owner of Orlando Pirates, has been a dominant figure in South African football for decades. Under his leadership, the PSL has grown into one of Africa’s richest leagues, with improved sponsorships and TV deals. However, critics like Thidiela argue this success hides issues like favouritism towards big clubs, slow adoption of technology like VAR, and a lack of support for struggling teams.
Past controversies have fuelled similar accusations. In 2020, during the Covid-19 disruptions, smaller clubs felt decisions on league formats and funding were imposed without fair consultation. Khoza’s dual role as chairman and club owner has also raised conflict-of-interest concerns, though he has defended it as necessary for stability.
Thidiela believes this “dictatorship” has hurt clubs like Black Leopards, leading to financial woes and relegations. He calls for more democratic processes, where all 16 PSL teams have equal say.
Questions Over the Acting CEO’s 10-Year Tenure
Thidiela also took aim at the PSL’s executive structure, questioning why the CEO has been in an acting role for 10 years. “He questions why the CEO has been acting in the position for 10 years,” as noted in the interview. This refers to Brandin Fransman, who has held the acting CEO position since 2015, following the departure of previous leaders amid scandals.
Fransman’s long interim stint has drawn criticism for lacking permanence, which some say leads to instability. The PSL has faced calls to appoint a full-time CEO to drive reforms, but delays persist. Thidiela argues this setup allows for unchecked influence from the chairman and board, further entrenching the alleged dictatorship.
The league’s governance has been under fire before. In 2019, a commission looked into similar issues, but little changed. Thidiela’s query echoes wider demands for fresh leadership to tackle problems like match-fixing probes and financial transparency.
Reactions from the Football Community
Thidiela’s statements have sparked mixed responses. Some fans and smaller club supporters back his call for a shake-up, seeing it as a stand against the “big three” dominance of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns. Social media has buzzed with agreement, with many sharing the podcast clip and demanding accountability.
However, others defend Khoza’s record, crediting him for the PSL’s professionalisation and global appeal. PSL officials have not yet responded directly, but past similar criticisms have been dismissed as sour grapes from underperforming clubs.
Football analysts suggest Thidiela’s timing, with Black Leopards pushing for promotion, might be strategic to rally support. It could pressure the league ahead of key meetings on governance.
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